Evaluation of Sustainable Urban Development in Border Cities of Iran

The main purpose of this research is to rank, classify and stratify the urban areas of the border counties of Iran based on sustainable development indices. This study used the data of general population and housing censuses, sample surveys, and other related findings to measure sustainability. Sustainability was assessed in terms of the four social, economic, physical-access and environmental dimensions across Iranian border cities. VIKOR model was used to rank the cities. The findings of this study show that about 3% of urban areas of border counties of Iran are in an unstable condition, 42% are in a relatively unstable condition, 53% are in a moderately stable condition and 2% are in a relatively stable condition. The results also show that, in these areas, the situation is not very favorable in all socio-demographic, economic, environmental and physical indices. In particular, the economic, environmental and physical-access indices are unstable or relatively unstable. It is only in the socio-demographic index that the situation is somewhat favorable, with most of the border cities being in a moderate condition in terms of sustainable development. According to the research findings, there is a need for attention and practical planning for the development of these areas.